Zago hails Roma Castan buy

Former Roma defender Antonio Carlos Zago is impressed by the club’s swoop for compatriot Leandro Castan.

Former Roma defender Antonio Carlos Zago is impressed by the club’s swoop for compatriot Leandro Castan.

The 43-year-old, who won the Scudetto with I Lupi back in 2001, rates the acquisition from Corinthians highly.

“I think that Roma did well to sign Castan,” Zago told Italian website carlozampa.it. “He will become a great defender.”

Castan is not the only Brazilian defender to arrive at Trigoria this summer and Zago suspects they will all benefit greatly from working under Zdenek Zeman.

“I think everyone - like Dodo and Marquinho - can grow because they are working with a Coach who knows a lot about football and has the ability to teach. But everything depends on them and their desire to play.

“My advice is to make the game easy and have a desire to learn, because with Zeman there is so much to learn.”

Asked what players he would suggest to improve the capital club's backline further, Zago looked to his homeland.

“Right now it is hard to find good defenders, but I would suggest Wallace from Fluminense. He's young and can also play as a full-back.”

The former Besiktas man concluded with fond memories of the celebrations that ensued in the Eternal city when Roma won the title over a decade ago.

“I was impressed by the whole party. For a whole year there were always people that wanted a photo or an autograph.”